Habitat For Humanity completes home In Mayville

December 10, 2012

On Sunday, the Chautauqua Area Habitat for Humanity dedicated a new home for the Webb family of Mayville. After 18 months of work by both the family and volunteers, the new home was finally ready for the Webbs to call it their own.

"We've spent over 4,400 man hours in building this home," said Mike Ricketts, Mid-County Habitat for Humanity chairman. "The dedication of a Habitat home marks the end of hours and hours of giving on the part of our volunteers to help a deserving family realize the dream of owning their own home. It is a time to celebrate and a time to say thank you for all the love and the talents that have gone into this home. ... We've watched this develop from a vacant lot, to a nice, three-bedroom developed home."

Article Photos

On Sunday, the Chautauqua Area Habitat for Humanity dedicated a new home for the Webb family of Mayville.

Following a few worfs from Ricketts, the Rev. James Bailey of Park United Methodist Church in Sinclairville gave an invocation.

"Unless the Lord builds a house, they who labor, labor in vain," Bailey said. "All the work that has gone into this house is a gift from the lord. We thank you that in your strength this has all happened. ... We thank you for Mike and his family, and for the opportunity that so many have had to bless them, and how they have blessed us in return. We ask that you will bless this house with peace and joy for all who enter."

When the time came for Karen McCann to present the Webb family with a Bible for their new home, she found herself becoming emotional, even though she had promised herself that she would not.

"I just want to thank (Mike Webb) for making me a part of the family," McCann said. "We can build a house, but it doesn't become a home until a family actually goes through those doors."

Subsequently, McCann's display of emotion caused Mike Webb to get a bit choked up as well.

"I just want to thank God, first of all," said Mike Webb. "I want to thank everyone from the Habitat organization - all of the volunteers - just all their hearts for all they do everyday to put their own lives behind to come and (build this house). Thank you to each and every one of you."

Following the ceremony, guests and volunteers were offered cake and coffee, and invited into the house to see it in its finished form.

The Chautauqua Area Habitat for Humanity builds and donates one or two homes a year to low-income families in need. For more information on Habitat for Humanity, visit www.habitatchaut.org.